Pendulum/Simple Harmonic Motion, what is its energy of motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mass-spring system undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM) and the calculation of its energy of motion, specifically focusing on kinetic energy (KE) and its maximum value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between kinetic energy and maximum velocity in SHM, questioning whether the amplitude should be involved in the calculation. There are discussions about the conditions of the system, such as whether it is vertical or horizontal, and the implications of these conditions on energy interchange.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing insights into the nature of kinetic energy in SHM and the necessary equations to find maximum kinetic energy. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the setup of the problem, particularly regarding gravitational potential energy and its role in the energy interchange.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify whether the mass is hanging vertically or moving horizontally, which affects the interpretation of energy types involved in the motion.

nicoleb14
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A 1.2 kg mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of 5.1 cm and a frequency of 2.1 Hz. What is its energy of motion?

I just have to use KE=1/2mv^2 right?
do I have to involve the amplitude?
 
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In SHM the KE is continually varying. So you are asking for the MAX KE, right?
 
I just need the energy of motion, so i guess that means KE max?
 
The KE max will be the total energy of the motion.
You are correct to use KE=1/2mv^2 but you need an expression for vmax in simple harmonic motion. You will need to find the spring constant (stiffness) and use this to find the max velocity.
Do you know these equations?
 
What is the max linear velocity in SHM?
 
Vmax=Aw
 
Then you can find max ke = (1/2)mv^2 and use v = Aw
 
thank you sooo muuuch! :D
 
nicoleb14 said:
A 1.2 kg mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of 5.1 cm and a frequency of 2.1 Hz. What is its energy of motion?

I just have to use KE=1/2mv^2 right?
do I have to involve the amplitude?

Is this mass hanging from the spring, or is this whole situation taking place horizontally??
 
  • #10
the problem doesn't say
 
  • #11
nicoleb14 said:
the problem doesn't say

Assuming it is vertical, there is a constant interchange of elastic energy in the spring, gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.

The total of them at any time will be constant.

That might be what is meant by the energy of the motion.

Even if the situation is horizontal [so no change in gravitational potential energy] there is a steady interchange between elastic potential energy and kinetic energy.
 

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